Okay, let’s get down to business! Customers have asked us a few questions that we are here to answer.
Should I change the filter in my AC?
It’s important to change your filter regularly (at least every 60 days, or more often if you have asthma or allergies), both to improve the air quality in your home and to keep your air conditioner from breaking down. Clogged air filters can make your AC less effective because they block the flow of air and make your AC work harder to cool the air. This can sometimes cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which means you’ll have to turn off your air conditioner and call for repairs.
When you regularly change your AC filter, you also keep the air free of dust and other particles that can make allergies and breathing problems worse. If you have pets, you should change your filters more often so that you don’t breathe in pet dander.
How long will a brand-new AC last?
If you take care of your air conditioner, it should last between 12 and 15 years. After 15 years, it may be cheaper to buy a new unit than to fix the old one. A good rule of thumb for deciding whether to repair or replace your AC is that if repairs will cost more than 50% of the unit’s current value, it’s better to get a new one.
When do air conditioners need to be serviced?
At least once a year, call a qualified HVAC technician to take care of your air conditioner. Every spring is a good time to make an appointment. Try not to wait until it’s already hot out to schedule your service. Instead, do it early so your AC is ready to go when you are.
Should I stick with a ceiling fan or use the fan on my air conditioner?
Set the fan on your air conditioner to “auto” and use a ceiling fan instead. This can save you money.
When the air conditioner is on, do the windows and doors need to be closed?
For the air conditioner to work as well as possible, all windows and doors should be shut while it is on. If you leave them open, the AC won’t be able to move cool air around as it should, and cold air will leak out of the house.
Does it matter if my air conditioner sounds a little different?
When running, all air conditioners make some noise, but you should never ignore something that doesn’t sound right. Some strange sounds that your AC might make are banging, clattering, whining, squealing, or rattling. Not only do these sounds wake you up in the middle of the night, but they could also be signs of bigger problems, like loose, deteriorating, or broken parts. There could be many reasons why your AC is making noises, so it’s important to call a technician as soon as possible to set up an inspection. The problem could get worse the longer you wait, and you could do real damage to your AC.
Should I put something over the air conditioner?
If you shade the AC unit, it will run a little cooler and use less power, which will save you money. But don’t put the shade closer than two feet from the coil. This could make it hard for air to flow.